Research Chemist - Oil Compatibility

Orbia; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global materials company is seeking a Research Chemist for their Thornton Science Park in Cheshire, UK. This role involves managing compatibility of refrigerants with lubricant oils, ensuring experiments are conducted safely, and documenting results professionally. Candidates should have a relevant degree and lab experience, with a focus on safety and quality. Join a purpose-driven team committed to making a difference in society.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a chemistry lab or analytical lab.
• Laboratory experience of working with high hazard activities would be desirable.
• Strong focus on control and management of safe experimental procedures.

Responsibilities

• Run experimental work programs for the characterization of refrigerants.
• Ensuring experiments are carried out safely.
• Managing lab facilities and supplies for ongoing projects.
• Work with lubricant companies on product suitability.
• Overseeing the documentation process for material samples.

Skills

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Education

Degree in chemistry, physics, or chemical engineering

Advanced qualification (master's or PhD)

Job description

You are purpose-driven, growth-minded, and ready to stretch your potential. That’s the spirit of the community at Orbia: where the purpose to advance life around the world drives our global team of over 23,000 every day.

From creating solutions to deliver clean water, secure food supplies, and reliable information to steering material advances that power the future of green and smart cities, transportation, and healthcare, we never settle for "good enough" when there’s an opportunity to make life better. Where purpose comes to life, it changes lives. This is what we live for.

Fluor and Energy Materials, an Orbia business, is hiring a Research Chemist - Oil Compatibility based at Thornton Science Park, Cheshire, UK.

Main Purpose

The main purpose of this role is to manage and develop expertise in establishing the compatibility of Orbia’s Fluor and Energy Materials refrigerants with lubricating oils and materials.

Main Responsibilities

• Run experimental work programs to characterize the behavior of refrigerants and their mixtures with lubricants in product application testing.
• Ensure experiments are conducted safely and produce high-quality results.
• Manage lab facilities, equipment, and supplies to meet ongoing project needs, especially for lubricant oil compatibility measurements.
• Collaborate with lubricant companies to tailor products compatible with Fluor and Energy Materials LFR offerings.
• Identify and implement upgrades or new equipment to enable necessary property measurements.
• Oversee documentation processes for transferring material samples between Fluor and Energy Materials and external facilities.
• Document results professionally and generate reports for internal and external stakeholders, including customers and end users.

Qualifications

• Minimum: Degree in chemistry, physics, or chemical engineering.
• Desirable: Advanced qualification such as a master’s or PhD.

Knowledge/Experience Required

• Experience working in a chemistry or analytical lab.
• Experience with high hazard activities is desirable.
• Attention to detail.
• Strong focus on safe experimental procedures.
• Good interpersonal skills.

Behaviors for Success at Orbia

• Develop yourself and others.
• Foster collaboration and inclusion.
• Drive results.
• Provide vision and direction.

We welcome purpose-driven dreamers, doers, and builders, recognizing that diversity makes a difference. If you're ready to bring your skills, talents, and perspectives to advance your career, the company, people, and the planet, we want to hear from you.

We believe every voice matters, every community deserves respect, and every challenge is an opportunity. United by empathy, we are stronger with our diverse perspectives. We are committed to building a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace supporting all employees regardless of role, location, identity, or background.